Yamaha MT-100

YAMAHA MT100 basic controls and layout scanned from operation manual

The Yamaha MT-100 Multitrack Cassette Recorder is an analog tool developed for recording artists in the late 1980s. It was marketed just before the advent of Digital Audio Tape. In essence it allowed variable speed recording of 4 tracks of audio that could be mixed and merged and re-recorded onto standard cassette tape. It had its broadest applications with keyboard and guitar players.

The Yamaha MT-100 is useful to capture multi part ideas quickly and simply. Yamaha created the DX7 keyboard , RX 5 drum machine, RX 11 DRUM Machine and QX1 sequencer. A sequencer is a device that records MIDI Data digitally capturing musical arrangement code vs. capturing sounds on tape. This was a revelation at the time for people working with Samplers and Synthesizers that had multi-track music sequencer built in.

Direct line in recording from sequencers allowed for remarkably clean recordings with a usable dynamic audio range.

Introduction from Manual:

CONGRATULATIONS! Your MT100 Multitrack Cassette Recorder is a fine creative tool that will help you work with sound in many ways. No other multitrack cassette recorder offers the straight forward simplicity and ease-of-use of the MT1OO. Whether you need to record acoustic instruments or voice using microphones, electronic instruments and sources via direct line, or a creative blend of the two, the MT1OO makes the process of building up your own sound extraordinarily smooth and simple. You can simply record and remix four tracks, or use the multitrack "ping-pong" recording technique to individually record up to ten independent parts - adding sound layer by layer until you create exactly the arrangement and texture your imagination demands. The MT100 is just as easy to use alone or with a band. And, because it's a YAMAHA, you know that the MT100 will give you the finest sound quality and overall performance available.

In order to make use of the MT 100's many features and obtain maximum performance, we urge you to read this operation manual thoroughly - and keep it in a safe place for later reference.